Top 10 Kid-Friendly Mountain Gondolas to Discover in North America for Epic Views Without the Hike - Goh Ling Yong
Dreaming of sharing majestic mountain vistas with your kids, but picturing the reality of a steep, two-hour hike with a tired toddler? You imagine their eyes widening at the sight of jagged peaks touching the clouds, but the thought of whines, snack breaks every five minutes, and the inevitable "carry me!" makes you want to stay at the hotel pool. We’ve all been there. The desire to show our children the world’s wonders often clashes with their little legs and even shorter attention spans.
What if I told you there’s a way to get those million-dollar views without the meltdown-inducing trek? A way to soar effortlessly above the treeline, delivering you and your family directly to a world of panoramic beauty, all while enjoying a thrilling ride. Welcome to the magic of the mountain gondola. These aerial trams are more than just a way to get skiers up a hill; in the summer and fall, they transform into sightseeing marvels, offering a perfect solution for families who crave alpine adventure without the grueling effort.
Forget dusty trails and tired feet. We're talking about gliding up a mountainside in a comfortable, enclosed cabin, watching the world shrink below you. It's an adventure in itself, captivating kids and adults alike. At the top, you’re rewarded not just with breathtaking scenery, but often with easy, stroller-friendly boardwalks, interactive interpretive centers, and restaurants with the best views you’ll ever have a meal with. This list compiles the best of the best—the top 10 kid-friendly mountain gondolas across North America that promise epic views and unforgettable family memories.
1. Banff Gondola, Banff, Alberta, Canada
If you want to experience the heart of the Canadian Rockies in all its glory, the Banff Gondola is an absolute must-do. In just eight minutes, you’re whisked 2,292 feet up the side of Sulphur Mountain. The ride itself is a spectacle, with 360-degree views of six different mountain ranges, the sparkling Bow River, and the charming town of Banff nestled far below. The modern, spacious cabins ensure everyone gets a window seat to the stunning scenery unfolding around them.
What makes this gondola exceptional for families is the experience waiting at the summit. The state-of-the-art summit complex is more than just a viewpoint. It features a fantastic, multi-level interpretive center with interactive exhibits that teach kids about the local wildlife and mountain ecosystem in a fun, engaging way. The real highlight, however, is the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk. This easy, one-kilometer self-guided walk along the summit ridge is safe, accessible, and perfect for all ages, leading you to a historic weather observatory with even more jaw-dropping views.
Pro-Tip: Book your tickets online in advance to choose a specific time slot, which helps you bypass long lines, especially during peak season. Aim for a morning ride to enjoy softer light for photos and fewer crowds on the boardwalk. And don't forget layers! It can be significantly cooler and windier at the summit, even on a warm day.
2. Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Connecting the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the Peak 2 Peak is not just a ride—it’s an engineering marvel that will leave your entire family in awe. It holds world records for the longest unsupported span (3.024 km) and the highest point above the ground (436 m). The 11-minute journey across the Fitzsimmons Valley offers unparalleled views of volcanic peaks, coastal rainforests, and ancient glaciers.
Kids absolutely lose their minds over the special silver, glass-bottomed cabins. While there’s a bit of a separate (and sometimes longer) line for these, the thrill of seeing the tiny trees and rushing creeks directly beneath your feet is an experience they won't forget. Once you’re on either peak, a world of alpine adventure awaits. Summer activities include easy, well-marked hiking trails (some are even paved), stunning wildflower displays, and the Cloudraker Skybridge on Whistler Peak for an extra dose of adrenaline. My friend Goh Ling Yong recently took his family and said the glass-bottom gondola was the highlight of their entire Whistler trip.
Pro-Tip: Your Peak 2 Peak ticket includes access to both the Whistler Village Gondola (or Blackcomb Gondola) and the Peak 2 Peak itself. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the tops of both mountains. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic lookout points to save money and soak in the atmosphere.
3. Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish, British Columbia, Canada
Located just south of Whistler along the famously scenic Sea to Sky Highway, this gondola offers a different but equally breathtaking perspective. As you ascend, the view transforms from the lush coastal rainforest to the stunning turquoise waters of the Howe Sound fjord, framed by dramatic, granite mountains. It's a view that truly encapsulates the "sea to sky" name.
The summit is a family paradise. The first thing you'll see is the spectacular Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, a 100-meter-long bridge that offers a gentle sway and incredible photo opportunities. For kids, it's a thrilling but completely safe adventure. The summit lodge has a network of easy, well-groomed walking trails, including the Panorama Trail, which is wide and smooth enough for rugged strollers. There’s also a fantastic playground where kids can burn off any remaining energy.
Pro-Tip: Check their events calendar before you go. The Sea to Sky Gondola often hosts family-friendly events, live music, and mountaintop yoga sessions during the summer months. The trip from Vancouver is only about an hour, making it a perfect day trip for families staying in the city.
4. Jackson Hole Aerial Tram, Teton Village, Wyoming, USA
Known affectionately as "Big Red," the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram is an icon of the American West. This is not a small, cozy gondola; it’s a large tram car that carries you and 99 other people on a dramatic 12-minute journey to the 10,450-foot summit of Rendezvous Mountain. The ascent is thrilling, offering expansive views of the Teton Range, the Snake River Valley, and the entirety of Jackson Hole.
While the ride is more intense than others on this list, the reward is one of the most rugged and spectacular vistas in North America. At the top, the air is thin and the views are endless. While the terrain is more rustic, there are short, manageable trails that offer 360-degree panoramas. The must-do kid-friendly activity? A stop at Corbet's Cabin to sample their world-famous "Top of the World" waffles. Eating a delicious, warm waffle slathered in brown sugar butter while looking out over the Grand Tetons is a core family memory in the making.
Pro-Tip: Due to the high altitude, it’s important to bring water and take it easy upon arrival at the summit, especially with young children. The tram is very popular, so arriving early in the day is your best bet to avoid long waits.
5. Heavenly Gondola, South Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, USA
For a view that combines sparkling blue water with majestic mountains, nothing beats the Heavenly Gondola. The 2.4-mile ride takes you up from the heart of Heavenly Village, offering progressively better views of the immense, sapphire-blue Lake Tahoe. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can see a world-class alpine lake from such a commanding height.
A fantastic feature for families is the Observation Deck, located midway up the mountain. It's a perfect place to hop off, stretch your legs, and snap some incredible family photos without committing to going all the way to the top if little ones are getting restless. At the summit, however, the fun continues at Epic Discovery, a mountain-top adventure park. In the summer, you'll find activities like a mountain coaster, summer tubing, climbing walls, and zip lines, making it an all-day destination for families with kids of all ages.
Pro-Tip: The gondola cabins are enclosed and comfortable, but the sun can be intense. Be sure to bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen for everyone. The Epic Discovery activities often have separate costs, so check their website for package deals to get the best value.
6. The Gondola at Vail, Vail, Colorado, USA
Vail is synonymous with world-class skiing, but its summer persona is just as impressive, largely thanks to Gondola One. This smooth, modern gondola departs directly from Vail Village and glides silently over sun-drenched aspen groves and wildflower-filled meadows, delivering you to the summit in relaxed comfort. The views of the Gore Range from the top are simply spectacular.
Similar to Heavenly, Vail's summit is home to Epic Discovery, an adventure park designed for family fun. The offerings are extensive, with a Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster that winds through the trees, a challenging ropes course, a bungee trampoline, and a climbing wall. For families with younger kids, there are gentler nature trails and the beautiful Nature Discovery Center, which offers guided nature walks and educational exhibits about the Rocky Mountain environment.
Pro-Tip: Vail offers a "Scenic Gondola Ride" ticket, which is perfect if you just want the views without the adventure park activities. However, if you plan on doing more than one activity, the Adventure Pass often provides the best value.
7. Loon Mountain Gondola, Lincoln, New Hampshire, USA
New England’s mountains have a unique, ancient beauty, and the Loon Mountain Gondola is the best way to experience it. As New Hampshire's longest scenic gondola, it takes you on a gentle ride to the summit of Loon Peak, offering beautiful, layered views of the White Mountains. The ride over the Pemigewasset River and dense green forests is peaceful and scenic.
The summit at Loon is wonderfully kid-centric. You can climb the four-story observation tower for true 360-degree views, stretching as far as Vermont on a clear day. The real adventure for kids is exploring the nearby Glacial Caves, a network of narrow passages and rooms formed by massive granite boulders left by glaciers. It’s a natural playground that encourages crawling, scrambling, and discovery. There's also a summit playground and access to some beautiful, family-friendly ridge-line trails.
Pro-Tip: Wear sturdy shoes! Exploring the glacial caves involves navigating uneven ground and tight spaces, so flip-flops won’t cut it. The summit café is a great spot to grab lunch with a view before heading back down.
8. Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Franconia Notch, New Hampshire, USA
As the first passenger aerial tramway in North America, the Cannon Mountain Tram is a piece of history. Located in the stunning Franconia Notch State Park, this tram carries up to 80 people on a breathtaking ascent to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain. The views into the deep chasm of Franconia Notch are dramatic and unforgettable.
At the summit, a network of scenic walking paths winds through the fragile alpine tundra, with signs educating visitors about the unique plant life. The Rim Trail is a relatively easy loop that offers stunning vantage points. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York, and even Canada. The 360-degree observation deck on top of the tram station provides the most accessible and panoramic views for those with strollers or mobility challenges.
Pro-Tip: Your tramway ticket can be combined with a visit to the Flume Gorge, another must-see attraction in Franconia Notch State Park. This combination ticket offers great value and makes for a full day of spectacular natural beauty.
9. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs, California, USA
Prepare for a journey of dramatic contrasts. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you from the scorching floor of the Sonoran Desert to the cool, pine-scented alpine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park—a 6,000-foot elevation change in just 10 minutes. The ride is made even more spectacular by the tram cars, which are the world's largest rotating tram cars, ensuring every passenger gets every possible view without having to move.
When you step out at the Mountain Station, you’ll be amazed by the 30-degree temperature drop. It’s a welcome escape from the desert heat. Here, you'll find over 50 miles of hiking trails, but the Desert View Trail is a perfect 1.5-mile loop for families, offering several spectacular viewpoints of the Coachella Valley below. There are also two restaurants, a natural history museum, and a small theater showing a documentary about the tram's construction.
Pro-Tip: The temperature change is no joke. Even if it's over 100°F in Palm Springs, bring jackets or sweatshirts for the top. In the winter, there is often snow at the summit, creating the surreal experience of going from a sunny desert to a winter wonderland in minutes.
10. Alyeska Tramway, Girdwood, Alaska, USA
For a taste of Alaska's immense and rugged beauty, the Alyeska Tramway is unbeatable. Located at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, a short drive from Anchorage, this tram glides 2,300 feet up Mount Alyeska. The views are quintessentially Alaskan: you’ll see the hanging glaciers of the Chugach Mountains, the dramatic coastline of the Turnagain Arm, and lush, sprawling valleys.
The experience at the top is awe-inspiring. You can often spot glaciers from the observation deck and, if you're lucky, maybe even some wildlife in the valley below. The summit is home to the Bore Tide Deli and the upscale Seven Glaciers restaurant, offering fine dining with a view that is truly second to none. For families, a walk along the ridge offers incredible photo ops and a chance to feel on top of the world.
Pro-Tip: The weather in Alaska can change in an instant. The best views are on clear days, so keep an eye on the forecast. Also, check the local tide schedule for the Turnagain Arm; watching the famous bore tide roll in from the tram's observation deck is a unique and powerful sight.
Conclusion: Reach New Heights with Your Family
Mountains have a way of inspiring awe and wonder in all of us, and that magic shouldn't be reserved for seasoned hikers. As we've seen, scenic gondolas and aerial trams across North America have opened up these incredible alpine worlds to everyone, from grandparents to toddlers in carriers. They transform a potentially challenging ordeal into a thrilling, accessible, and comfortable adventure.
These ten gondolas are more than just rides; they are gateways to unforgettable experiences. They offer a perfect blend of excitement, education, and relaxation, allowing you to create those picture-perfect family memories against a backdrop of the continent's most stunning landscapes. So on your next family vacation, look up. The easiest path to the most epic view might just be floating through the air.
What are your favorite scenic gondola rides? Have you been on any of these with your family? Share your family's adventures and tips in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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